Part 9:
The days leading up to the entrance exam at Astradel Academy were steadily approaching, and Lucian dedicated himself to absorbing as much knowledge and training as possible. He trained his body to perfectly synchronize with his brain, ensuring that every movement, every technique, was flawless. During this time, Seraphina became even more attached to him, knowing that once Lucian was at the academy, she might rarely see him until his graduation. Her love for him deepened, especially when she caught glimpses of his true self.
One night, after a particularly intense training session, Lucian decided to take a bath. Seraphina, preparing dinner in the kitchen, felt a shift in the atmosphere. Lucian, stepping out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist, looked as calm and composed as always. Suddenly, Seraphina teleported right in front of him, her eyes locked onto his. Lucian had grown taller—now standing at her lips' height—when just months ago, he had barely reached her chest. His growth was abnormal, yet fascinating.
Lucian met her gaze, and before he could speak, Seraphina stepped forward, saying, "How long are you going to keep using that?"
"Using what?" Lucian asked, his voice steady.
"Your appearance-shifting magic," she replied, her tone soft but firm. "I've known all along. I waited for the day you would show me your real self, but you never did." With a single snap of her fingers, the illusion shattered. The magic dissolved, revealing Lucian's original form.
He stood there, wet from his bath. His long white hair clung to his pale skin, his crimson red eyes glowing in the dim light. His eyebrows and hair, stark white, framed a face so beautiful that it seemed otherworldly. His eyes, filled with intricate patterns, held Seraphina in a trance. She stared at him, mesmerized by the sight. Her heart raced uncontrollably as emotions surged within her, nearly overwhelming her.
Yet she managed to regain her composure, stepping closer and cupping his face gently. She kissed him passionately, pouring her feelings into that single moment. "Luc," she whispered, her lips still close to his.
"Yes?" he replied, his tone as neutral as ever.
"Promise me one thing," she said, her voice almost trembling.
"What is it?"
"Promise me you will never show your true form to anyone else."
Lucian paused briefly before answering, "Promise." He wasn't planning to reveal his original form to anyone outside anyway, so the promise was an easy one to make.
Seraphina smiled softly, her heart feeling at ease. She kissed him once more, this time gently pecking his lips, before returning to her cooking. Lucian, unfazed by the exchange, continued to observe her, curious about her emotions.
The night before Lucian's departure for the academy, Seraphina presented him with a gift. He accepted it, carefully opening the small box. Inside was a simple yet elegant ring. He raised an eyebrow, questioning its significance, but before he could ask, Seraphina took the ring from him, grabbed his hand, and slid it onto his ring finger.
Lucian immediately sensed a strange but potent magic emanating from the ring.
"I made it myself," Seraphina said proudly. "This ring will help you change your appearance without relying on your regular magic. The illusion spells you've been using can be detected by skilled magicians, and I can't have anyone seeing your real form, can we?" She smirked, a bit smug. "This ring is made from the highest-quality materials. Even someone as strong as a Hex Rank magician won't be able to see through the disguise."
Lucian was surprised, though his expression didn't show it. He hadn't anticipated Seraphina creating something far beyond her rank, which only highlighted her brilliance and uniqueness. Without thinking much, he leaned forward and kissed her softly, hoping it would make her happy.
Seraphina kissed him back, this time with more aggression and passion. As their lips parted, the day before the academy entrance ceremony ended on an intimate note, with Seraphina's love for Lucian growing ever stronger.
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[EXTRA]
That night, Seraphina couldn't contain her feelings any longer. Using a powerful, subtle spell, she cast a gentle hypnosis over Lucian. His body, unresisting, followed her lead as she gave herself to him, marking the moment as her first time. In a haze of emotions, she left a small hickey on his side, claiming him as hers. Though Lucian remained emotionless, his body responded to her actions, and she marked the night as one she would never forget.
Seraphina smiled softly, knowing that no matter where he went, he now carried a part of her with him.